We are pleased to announce the programme for our upcoming Independent Schools Leadership Forum on Tuesday 24 February 2026
| Time | Session | Speakers |
| 9.30 - 10.00 | Arrival & Networking Coffee | |
| 10.00 - 10.10 | Welcome | RSAcademics: Heather Styche-Patel, CEO |
| 10.10 - 10.50 | Panel: The New Operating Reality for Independent Schools This opening panel will explore the current operating environment for independent schools, focusing on the financial, legal and structural realities shaping decision making today. Drawing on expertise in corporate finance, VAT, charity law and transactions, the session will consider how schools can respond to pressure with clarity, resilience and sound governance. | Grant Thornton: Andrew Frame, Partner, Corporate Finance Daniel Crumpton, Associate Director, Corporate Finance Robbie Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate Finance (M&A) Withers: Alison Paines, Consultant, Charities Team Phil Reed , Partner, Charities and Philanthropy Team RSAcademics: Durell Barnes, Head of Governance Martin Collier, Senior Advisor |
| 10.55 - 11.25 | Breakout Sessions | |
| - Consolidation in the sector, including employment law implications Considering the law and best practice around school mergers and similar transactions, including from an employment point of view in light of recent legislative developments. | Withers: Chris Priestley , Partner, Charities and Philanthropy Team Hugh More, Partner, Employment Team |
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| - VAT and the Next Steps: Now that the changes in VAT have been in place for a year – what does this mean? This session will cover VAT issues that have arisen, particularly the Capital Goods Scheme and fee pre-payments as well as a look to the future with e-invoicing and how to become tech-enabled and cost saving. | Grant Thornton: Irena Scullion, Indirect Tax Director |
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| 11.30 - 11.50 | Coffee & Networking | |
| 11.50 - 12.30 | Keynote: Millennial Parents & The New Value Narrative: Drawing on RSAcademics’ research into Millennial Parents, this session will explore how parental expectations of independent schools are evolving. It will consider what this means in practice for school leadership, governance and engagement, and how schools can respond in ways that are both authentic and sustainable. | RSAcademics: Heather Styche-Patel, CEO |
| 12.30 - 13.30 | Lunch & Networking | |
| 13.30 - 14.00 | Keynote: Governance Under Pressure: Trustees’ duties, accountability and board effectiveness. | RSAcademics: Durell Barnes, Head of Governance Withers: Alison Paines, Consultant, Charities Team |
| 14.05 - 14.35 | Breakout Sessions | |
| - Funding the Mission – philanthropy, legacies and stewardship Exploring, from a legal perspective, how to maximise the flexibility and effectiveness of your donor fundraising. | Withers: Phil Reed, Partner, Charities and Philanthropy Team |
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| - Leadership in a Shifting Landscape Drawing on RSAcademics’ research into leadership across independent schools, this session will explore how the nature of leadership is evolving in response to financial pressure, changing expectations and increased complexity. It will consider what effective leadership looks like in practice today and how leaders can create clarity, resilience and shared responsibility across their organisations. | RSAcademics: Claire Oulton, Head of UK Leadership Appointments Richard Backhouse, Head Designate of UK Appointments |
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| 14.40 - 15.15 | Keynote: Beyond Cost Cutting: Strategic Restructuring for a Viable Future Independent schools face tough choices. From managing stakeholders and raising finance to site consolidation, mergers, asset realisation and even school sales - this session explores practical strategies to secure long term resilience. | Grant Thornton: Alistair Wardell, Partner, Restructuring RSAcademics: Strategy Consultant |
| 15.15 - 16.00 | Panel: The Futures Lab Setting the Priorities for 2026 to 2030 This final session will provide space to step back and reflect on the themes explored during the day. Through a guided discussion with panellists and delegates, the focus will be on exploring plausible developments and sensible planning assumptions, rather than predictions - helping leaders think calmly and constructively about the future. | Grant Thornton: Andrew Frame, Partner, Corporate Finance, Daniel Crumpton, Associate Director, Corporate Finance Robbie Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate Finance (M&A) Withers: Phil Reed, Partner, Charities and Philanthropy Team, Richard Cassell, of counsel in the private client and tax team RSAcademics: Martin Collier, Senior Advisor Durell Barnes, Head of Governance Heather Styche-Patel, CEO |
| 16.00 | Networking Drinks |